General Atomics unveils new launched effect aircraft ‘PELE’ for multi-mission operations

Named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of powerful natural forces, the Precision Exportable Launched Effect (PELE) is a compact, propeller-driven unmanned aircraft that can operate semi-autonomously. It is tailored to extend the sensing and operational reach of its mothership aircraft or ground-based forces in challenging environments.

With an 11-foot wingspan and powered by a 16-horsepower engine, PELE is attrition-tolerant and offers versatile deployment, including air- or ground-based launches. It is especially optimised for integration with the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, GA-ASI’s flagship medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned platform used by a growing number of countries.

PELE supports onboard electro-optical infrared sensors for real-time full-motion video, along with additional internal mission payloads. It is 9 feet in length, weighs up to 250 pounds at takeoff, and delivers up to 7 hours of flight endurance with a 500-nautical-mile range.

“PELE brings even more versatility to growing MQ-9B fleets around the world,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “On one day, an air force might fly an MQ-9B with no external payloads to maximise its patrol time. Then on the next day, the same aircraft could take off and fly with several PELEs that would stand in against the adversary and take the immediate risks to preserve the larger aircraft.”

GA-ASI envisions scenarios where MQ-9B could release PELE from international airspace to penetrate contested zones, providing intelligence on hostile forces or precisely locating air defence systems. The development reinforces GA-ASI’s role in advancing uncrewed aircraft technology for modern warfare and strategic reconnaissance missions.